Mind Your Expectations
One of the hardest parts of the holiday season is managing the hopes we carry into it.
Many parents find themselves hoping this will be the year their loved one shows up, stays sober, reconnects with the family, or finally asks for help.
Hope is important.
But unrealistic expectations can leave us feeling devastated when reality doesn’t match what we imagined.
Why It Matters
The higher the expectation, the more intense the disappointment can be.
Learning to hold hope while staying grounded in reality can help protect your peace during an emotional season.
Try This
Before Thanksgiving, ask yourself:
What am I hoping for?
Then ask:
Which of those things are actually within my control?
Focus your energy on creating a meaningful holiday for yourself and those who are present, rather than depending on someone else’s choices to determine your peace.
Many of the principles shared in this section come from The Four Seasons of Recovery by PAL Founder Mike Speakman.
Explore The Four Seasons of Recovery: https://books.palgroup.org/
